Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

GoPro releases first footage from 1080p HD Hero Wide helmet cam

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/gopro-releases-first-footage-from-1080p-hd-hero-wide-helmet-cam/

GoPro releases first footage from 1080p HD Hero Wide helmet cam

GoPro announced its 1080p HD Hero Wide helmet cam earlier this year, back when people were jumping off of high things and speeding around other things whilst wearing helmets. Now the summer adventure season is drawing to a close, the winter one is starting to develop, and the company has released a series of high-def, high-adrenaline clips to show what that camera can do -- most filmed when the days were still long and the sun still high. Sadly the videos are not embeddable, but click on that read link for your morning dose of speed. The company has also released a good bit of information about the cam, that it's 30fps at the full 1080p or an optional 60fps mode at 720p. 720p footage is recorded at a particularly wide 170 degrees, while 1080p footage is slightly less wide (though still rather broad) 127. Also, the company promises that the microphone will actually be usable at speed, a rarity in this sort of device. It's all slated to ship this fall, and we look forward to putting one through its paces then.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

GoPro releases first footage from 1080p HD Hero Wide helmet cam originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, September 28, 2009

Acer A1 Android Phone: 768MHz CPU, 5-Megapixel Camera, Wi-Fi, GPS [Cellphones]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/0Ktt-pj_28s/acer-a1-android-phone-768mhz-cpu-5+megapixel-camera-wi+fi-gps

Rumors had suggested the Android 2.0-powered A1 might arrive in September, and low and behold, it's now up for pre-order at eXpansys (France and Germany). The listing also includes previously unknown full specs:

What's immediately noticeable is the faster-than-average processor, and the quad-band GSM/tri-band 7.2Mbps HSPA. The 3.5-inch touch-capable display has a sharp 800x480 (WVGA) resolution, but the page doesn't say if it's capacitive or resistive.

There's no release date—or U.S info—but the pre-order price is 390 Euros (about $571). We'll let you know when Acer fills us in on any U.S plans as its definitely an Android phone to keep an eye on. [eXpansys (translated) via Android Guys]

Specifications
• Processor: Qualcomm 8250 768 MHz Qualcomm 8250 768 MHz
• Operating System: Android 2.0 (Donut)
• Memory: ROM: 512 MB / RAM: 256 MB ROM
• Display: 3.5-inch touch-sensitive screen with WVGA resolution
• Network: HSPA/WCDMA: 850, 1900, 2100 MHz - Up to 2 Mbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speeds
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz Quad-band GSM / GPRS / EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
(Band frequency and data speed are operator dependent)
• GPS: Internal GPS antenna
• Connectivity: Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsets. Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi ®: IEEE 802.11 b / g, 3.5 mm audio jack 3.5 mm audio jack
! • Came ra: 5.0 megapixel color camera with auto focus
• Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. Capacity: 1350 mAh, Talk time: Up to 300 minutes Talk time: Up to 300 minutes, Standby time: Up to 400 hours. (The above are subject to network and phone usage)
• Expansion Slot: microSD ™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
• Dimensions (LxWxT): 115 x 62.5 x 12.5 mm 115 x 62.5 x 12.5 mm
• Weight: 135 grams with battery 135 grams with battery

This Is What the Thermaltake Level 10 Case Actually Looks Like [Case]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Vqq7Lg9RcrM/this-is-what-the-thermaltake-level-10-case-actually-looks-like

The image of the Level 10 we saw back in March looked fantastic. Glossy, stylish and oh so beautiful. But now? Now reality disappoints once again.

Maximum PC's hands on of the case shows that Thermaltake either swapped out the glossy surface in the prototype for a matted one in the finished version, or discovered that photoshopping a glossy surface onto something before you actually build one is a bad idea.

But, the basic gist is the same, and it's one of the first unique chassis we've seen come along in quite some time. [Maximum PC]

Apple and Microsoft Tablets: Hardware Keyboard or Software Keyboard? [Question Of The Day]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/w5x-blaE1D0/apple-and-microsoft-tablets-hardware-keyboard-or-software-keyboard

Whether it's the Microsoft Courier or upcoming Apple Tablet that launches first, the point is clear: tablet are coming. The only question left is how you're going to interact with them.

From the concept shots and information leaks, both Microsoft and Apple's feature on-screen inputs for doing a lot of things, but they don't talk about text input. Is it going to be a virtual keyboard? Probably. But that doesn't preclude a USB port for a physical keyboard.

What would you use? Obviously, if you need to take this around town, on the train or in the car, you'd need to use the onscreen keyboard. But what about at home and at work? Which would you prefer to use? And why?

Ping is Like a Free SMS Client For iPhone and iPod Touch Users [IPhone Apps]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/WC91I6pTBOM/ping-is-like-a-free-sms-client-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch-users

This Ping app by the guy who made PushGmail is a mix between text messaging and instant messaging. What you need to know is that it's free and it's fast.

Ping is designed to look like the SMS app, and behaves much the same way. The messages you send arrive at the recipient's screen instantly—similar to IMs—but also pop up with a Push Notification if you're not actively using the phone.

It's basically free SMS for you to everyone who has an iPhone or iPod Touch (over Wi-Fi) as long as you can convince them to sign up for Ping. Even if you can't, the ones you do switch over might be enough for you to downgrade your SMS plan one notch to save some money.

In the end, this may either be a really useful SMS alternative for iPhones, or a service that's not different enough from SMS or IM that people will use it. It's too early to say. [Ping on iTunes via Gear Live]

Airis Praxis Slim Air is one-inch thick, KIRFtastic

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/airis-praxis-slim-air-is-one-inch-thick-kirftastic/

Airis is no stranger to the fine art of imitating without getting sued out of existence, and its latest effort -- the shamelessly titled Praxis Slim Air -- is no exception. It sports a 12-inch display spanning 1366 x 768 pixels, a gig of memory and a 160GB hard drive, and if you think this is the usual prelude to a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, well, you'd be spot on. To be fair, with two USB ports, WiFi, HDMI, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a choice of Windows XP, Vista, 7 or Linux, this isn't a terrible proposition in its own right. The big downfall comes with a rated battery runtime of just three hours, but if you're unfazed by the tethered life, you can grab one in Europe for €399 ($586) this October. Full frontal picture after the break.

Continue reading Airis Praxis Slim Air is one-inch thick, KIRFtastic

Filed under: Laptops

Airis Praxis Slim Air is one-inch thick, KIRFtastic originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's SCH-W880 12 megapixel phonecamera with 3x optical zoom

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/samsungs-sch-w880-12-megapixel-phonecamera-with-3x-optical-zoom/

In a welcome reversal of trends, Samsung just stuffed a 3G cellphone into a 12 megapixel camera making this M8920 / SCH-W880 more of a camera than most 12 megapixel cameraphones can claim. While this presumed follow-up to Samsung's Pixon 12 (M8910) isn't official, the announcement looks imminent based on the leaked collateral above and the spyshots that emerged over the weekend. What's impressive here is that extending 3x optical zoom -- something carried over from the SCH-B600 -- and dedicated camera controls like a mode dial, shutter and zoom, and big 3.3-inch WVGA AMOLED display. Rounding out the specs are HD (720p presumably) video, HSDPA data, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, microSD slot, and DMB mobile television; that latter spec making this Korea-only whenever it does launch. See her in the wild after the break.

[Via HDBlog.IT]

Continue reading Samsung's SCH-W880 12 megapixel phonecamera with 3x optical zoom

Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras

Samsung's SCH-W880 12 megapixel phonecamera with 3x optical zoom originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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$38 Zipit Wireless Messenger receives Linux injection, becomes $38 netbook

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/38-zipit-wireless-messenger-receives-linux-injection-becomes/

$38 Zipit Wireless Messenger receives Linux injection, becomes $38 netbook

Poor Zipit. As a $149.99 instant messenger client nobody got particularly excited about you. Even now, as a $38 IM client you aren't exactly in high demand -- but as a $38 portable Linux machine, well, that's another story altogether. The machines have been tweaked before, but the latest and greatest is this hack from Hunter Davis, who can turn a virgin Zipit Z2 into a full-featured Linux machine in under five minutes, as shown in the video below. To do the same all you need is Hunter's hacked firmware and a microSD card to throw it onto. Once completely tweaked you'll get full mouse support, WiFi connectivity, and even audio output so that you can rock some tunes on the go -- though the command-line interface won't make it the most compelling PMP ever. With only a 300MHz processor and 32MB of RAM we wouldn't go compiling our COMP-SCI 101 homework on here, but this little firmware refresh certainly makes for a tastier experience than before.

[Via lilputing]

Continue reading $38 Zipit Wireless Messenger receives Linux injection, becomes $38 netbook

Filed under: Laptops

$38 Zipit Wireless Messenger receives Linux injection, becomes $38 netbook originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel's 32nm processors show off power efficiency in informal preview

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/intels-32mn-processors-show-off-power-efficiency-in-informal-pr/

Craving for some cutting edge tech to go with your croissant this morning? Intel's Clarkdale and Arrandale -- the 32nm chips that cram the GPU and memory controller inside the CPU package -- have been subjected to the discerning eye of the Hot Hardware investigators, and have shown off some significantly reduced power usage. The entire small form factor system you see above, built around a Clarkdale processor, clocked up an austere 28W when idling, and only went up to around 70W under full load, which you can just about make out on the wattmeter beside it. Limited to two processing cores due to the added complexity inside the chip, these might lack the juice to oust Core i7 rigs, but if the laptop parts reflect similar power savings, it's difficult to imagine a more desirable CPU for your next mobile computer. Hit the read link for some synthetic benchmarks and further impressions.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Intel's 32nm processors show off power efficiency in informal preview originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GPU-accelerated 720p Flash video gets demoed on a netbook (smoothly)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/gpu-accelerated-720p-flash-video-gets-demoed-on-a-netbook-smoot/

It's been a long wait since NVIDIA and Adobe announced their plans for GPU-accelerated Flash video back in January of this year, but it looks like the pair now finally have something to show for themselves. While it's not quite clear how official it is just yet, the folks at NotebookJournal have nonetheless published a video that shows 720p Flash video running smoothly on a netbook (an ION-powered HP Mini 311, to be specific). Unfortunately, it looks like we'll still have to wait until sometime in the first half of 2010 to see the technology become publicly available (at least if the slides in the video are any indication), but you can now check out the demo for yourself after the break. Just be sure to stick with it for a while or skip ahead to the 1:20 mark -- they show a non-accelerated video at the beginning for an all too painful comparison.

[Via Liliputing]

Continue reading GPU-accelerated 720p Flash video gets demoed on a netbook (smoothly)

Filed under: Laptops

GPU-accelerated 720p Flash video gets demoed on a netbook (smoothly) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Philips SA075 PMP joins the HD-capable crowd

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/philips-sa075-pmp-joins-the-hd-capable-crowd/

There's an unfortunate lack of details on this one at the moment (official or otherwise), but it looks like Philips has a new PMP in the works that seems set to join the growing ranks of HD-capable players out there. Like those other recently-announced players, this new SA075 model includes a suitably high res touchscreen (800 x 480) on the device itself and, perhaps more importantly, an HDMI out port for true HD video playback on your TV (although it's not clear if that means 720p or full 1080p). And, well, that's about all that's known about it right now -- more on this one as we get it.

[Via Cloned in China]

Filed under: Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Philips SA075 PMP joins the HD-capable crowd originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thermaltake's brain-melting Level 10 PC chassis gets real, unboxed

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/thermaltakes-brain-melting-level-10-pc-chassis-gets-real-unbox/

Remember that Thermaltake enclosure that blew your mind back in March? Of course -- you're still recovering, after all. Fast forward to today, and that very case -- which had a hint of BMW influence, by the way -- has morphed into reality, and it's far and away one of the most fabulous cases we've ever seen. Amazingly, the finished product looks awfully similar to the concept, with each compartment boasting its own ventilation. There's room for pretty much anything you'd ever want (yes, even room for three Blu-ray writers), and of course, enough LEDs are included to light up the average night club. You should also know that the shipping container weighed 66 pounds and the chassis itself is probably larger than your eight year old, so unless you've got more square footage than you know what to do with, you're probably better off viewing the unboxing shots (there in the via link) from afar.

[Via Maximum PC]

Filed under: Desktops, Peripherals

Thermaltake's brain-melting Level 10 PC chassis gets real, unboxed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iLuv's $270 i1166 portable multimedia player finally shipping next month

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/iluvs-270-i1166-portable-multimedia-player-finally-shipping-ne/

Set in stone for March, eh? Looks like that ship date slipped just a wee bit. iLuv's curious i1166 -- which plays back an array of multimedia from an array of sources on its 9-inch LCD -- is now slated to ship to the US next month. Originally introduced at CES, the $269.99 device can play back content stored on an iPod, DVD, SD / MMC card or USB drive, though the omission of a screen resolution gives us serious pause. Other specs include twin 3.5 millimeter headphone jacks, an "iPod-friendly" user interface and a bundled remote, none of which justify the lofty asking price in our humble eyes. You and your wallet can feel free to disagree in around a fortnight, though.

Show full PR text

iLuv Announces Availability of the i1166 9" Portable Digital Multimedia Player for your iPod and DVD/DivX

- The Perfect Solution For Travel Entertainment

i1166 Features DivX video playback and a Digital Panel with Enhanced Resolution for Media Viewing for iPod & DVD, SD / MMC / USB Slot, Digital Photo Frame Capability

PORT WASHINGTON, NY - (September 28, 2009) - iLuv, the leader in innovative audio solutions, is proud to announce the availability of their best 2009 invention from a new line of enhanced and creative products, the i1166, 9" Portable Multimedia Player for iPod and DVDs. The "CES Best of Innovation 2009" award winner in the Portable Multimedia Accessories product category, the i1166 features an iPod-friendly user interface (UI) and brings hours of widescreen personal multimedia entertainment to travelers starting mid October 2009 at www.i-luv.com for the MSRP of $269.99.

"We are confident that the i1166 will blow away every gadget lover's expectations with what it can do and get tremendous attention from the holiday gift buyers. There's virtually nothing it cannot play! We proved that we listen to our customers' need by upgrading the picture quality, enhancing the playback solutions, and building it user-friendly." says Howard Kim, iLuv Marketing Manager. "I can proudly say we're introducing the most advanced portable multimedia player up to date"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Features for Your iPod

* Play video content of your iPod on the 9" widescreen digital TFT LCD
* Full control of your iPod with user friendly graphic interface
* Charge your iPod when docked (with AC adapter)
* Compatible with iPod touch 2nd generation, iPod nano 5th generation, iPod nano 4th generation, iPod touch, iPod nano 3rd generation, iPod classic, iPod with video

Features for SD/MMC, USB and DVD Player

* Watch your favorite movie or TV show files on SD/MMC memory card or USB flash drive
* DivX(R) certified
* Play DVD videos on the widescreen digital TFT LCD
* Enhanced user interface with detailed controls
* Convenient OSD (On-Screen Display)
* Multiple subtitle, angle, and audio functions and fast motion playback
* Supports 3 power sources: AC, DC and Built-in Li-Polymer rechargeable battery
* Playable Media: Audio CD / VCD / SVCD / DVD / CD-R / CD-RW / DVD±R / DVD±RW / DivX / MP3 / WMA / JPEG
* Connectivity includes two 3.5mm stereo headphone jacks
* Dimensions (W x H x D) 11" x 6.1" x 1.9"
* Remote Control included

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information on product specifications as well as pricing and availability please visit www.i-luv.com.

About iLuv:
iLuv is a brand of jWIN Electronics Corp. dedicated to developing IT peripheral products, unique audio video products and accessories for portable media players and other personal entertainment devices. The iLuv i1166, iMM9500, iMM183, iSP200 and i303 were recognized as CES Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award Honorees including the "Best of Innovations 2009" for i1166 in the Portable Multimedia Accessories Product category. This follows on iLuv previously winning two CES Innovations awards in 2007 and three in 2008. For more information on iLuv, please visit www.i-luv.com.

Filed under: Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable Video

iLuv's $270 i1166 portable multimedia player finally shipping next month originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Archos 9 confirmed for October 22nd with $499 price tag

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/archos-9-confirmed-for-october-22nd-with-499-price-tag/

We heard the Archos 9 tablet was due alongside Windows 7, but just in case you were worried that preposition would be stretched to the limits of its definition, the company made clear at IDF that October 22nd was the target, making it day and date with Microsoft's latest OS. As for US price, it's a better-than-expected (at least as far as UK currency conversions go) $499 for the ultra-thin tablet. Mark your calendars accordingly, the diehards in the audience have less than a month to prepare their bank accounts. Now if only Archos would do something about that maladjusted resistive touchscreen...

[Thanks, Anthony]

Filed under: Tablet PCs

Archos 9 confirmed for October 22nd with $499 price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 finally ready for AT&T: $300 on October 4?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/garmin-asus-nuvifone-g60-finally-ready-for-atandt-300-on-october/

Let's just be brutally honest here: Garmin-Asus' nuvifone G60 is basically the Duke Nukem of phones. We've been following it since before Garmin and ASUS formed their joint venture, since before we we had an inkling of what carriers might pick it up, and before other models running other platforms got thrown under the nuvifone branding umbrella. It's been a heck of a ride -- a ride that seemed exciting for the first year or so, but at this point, the phone's stretched our patience to the breaking point and set expectations so unrealistically high that it seems virtually impossible that a US launch could quench our thirst for awesomeness. The world will never know with certainty what took so long -- maybe it was met with a lukewarm response from carriers, maybe the formation of the joint venture set everything back a bunch of months -- but whatever the case, it looks like we'll finally be able to navigate the G60 right into our hands come October 4 on AT&T. With triband HSDPA, a 3.2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and microSD expansion, the phone really doesn't scream "high end," but AT&T must think that the promise of an authentic Garmin nav experience is enough to command a hefty premium because a two-year deal is going to run $299.99 with a required $30 data plan -- and that's after $100 mail-in rebate. Follow the break for a gander at AT&T's G60 FAQs for salesfolk.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Continue reading Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 finally ready for AT&T: $300 on October 4?

Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Handhelds

Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 finally ready for AT&T: $300 on October 4? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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